Queen’s award has Brompton bikes on a roll

Seen by some as the ultimate fashion accessory, and others as a source of derision — exemplified by Hugh Bonneville’s folding bike-riding executive in the BBC spoof W1A — Brompton Bicycle is among the thriving British businesses praised by the Queen today for their contribution to enterprise, exports and growth. The folding bike maker has proved to be a big hit overseas, with three quarters of last year’s £27.2 million turnover coming from exports.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the winners of which are announced annually on the monarch’s birthday and which this year marks its 50th anniversary, celebrates outstanding work from companies in international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

There are more than 140 winners, including Seraphine, the maternity fashion label favoured by the…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.